By Belize Live News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño has expressed confidence in Oscar Mira, both as a politician and as a minister, as the audit connected to Mira’s former portfolio at the Ministry of Defence moves forward.
Asked whether Mira remains politically viable in his Belmopan constituency, the Prime Minister said he had no doubts. He described Mira as a good area representative and a competent minister, and said he believes Mira will still be able to connect with the people of Belmopan.
The Prime Minister was also questioned about why Mira, who had been serving as Minister of Home Affairs, stepped away from Cabinet when the audit concerns the Ministry of Defence. Briceño said Mira took the decision because remaining in Cabinet might create the wrong impression while the review is being conducted.
Looking ahead, Briceño said he expects Minister Julius Espat, who is now overseeing Home Affairs on an interim basis, to carry on the work already underway. The Prime Minister maintained that Mira had been doing a good job in the role.
Mira is now one of two ministers on a leave of absence, with the Prime Minister noting that Minister Jose Mai is on medical leave. The audit at the Ministry of Defence is expected to take roughly three months, and the government has said it will await the findings before drawing any conclusions.
